WHO LIKES CHARTER'S UNDERCOVER?

[crazyphil]

I bought a Charter Undercover off of Gunbroker several years
ago. I remember when I went to my local gun shop to pick it
up the former police officer behind the counter told me that back
in the 1970s most officers carried the Undercover for their BUG
(Back Up Gun). Why? Because it was about all they could afford.

This little beauty was made at the Bridgeport plant around 1971.
I've been told that some of the better quality Undercovers came
from that plant in that time period. I have a different reason for
carrying it than those police officers that I mentioned above.

Will anyone else admit to carrying an Undercover?

Here is mine, on the left.
2nd from left with a Blazer by Wally Wolfram.
3rd from left in a Bucheimer Sheriff crossdraw.
4th from left in a Heizer 459.
5th from left a Chicago Rocker IWB by Lefty Lewis dba
Bell-Charter-Oak.

[Sixgun100]

That was my situation. When I first started in LE, all I could afford was a Charter Arms “Off-Duty” Model. Carried it for years on my ankle. Don’t remember now whatever became of it, but it served me well.

[washerman]

I have a Charter off-duty 12 ounce for pocket carry, a 6 shot police undercover for my belt and a 357 Mag Pug for camping...All newer models though. Sure like to find an older one like yours in good shape. All excellent shooters

[oink]

I bought one back in the very early 80s for a BUG for the reason you describe, tight budget. The one I got (new) was such a *** I took it back. I went ahead and ponied up the extra money and bought a model 60 (no dash). I still have that gun. Many years later I had a friend give me a newish looking little CA .22 snubbie. It keyholed the target with the several brands of ammo I tried. Traded it off with another gun I had no use for, for a 77/22. I still have the 77/22. For some unknown reason I'm still getting the itch to try a Bulldog 44. but I must be crazy.

[ShivasIrons]

I own several Undercovers and Off Dutys, both older and newer. Great guns and a great company. I got hosed on GB by a pawn shop. It was a vintage Undercover that was locked up. Called Charter and they said send it in. They fixed it. No Charge.

[washerman]

Originally Posted by ShivasIrons

I own several Undercovers and Off Dutys, both older and newer. Great guns and a great company. I got hosed on GB by a pawn shop. It was a vintage Undercover that was locked up. Called Charter and they said send it in. They fixed it. No Charge.

My Mag Pug 357 started out as a Target model with 4.5 inch barrel...I decided i wanted a shorter barrel when riding my bike, Called Charter and asked how much a new barrel was. Charter said send it in. They paid shipping too. Came back with a brand new Mag Pug 2 inch barrel...NO CHARGE! not even shipping

[crazyphil]

I like those stories about Charter's service. I've told this one before, but
I'll do it again. Maybe 10 years ago I bought a new Charter 2000 Under-
cover. I called Charter very early one morning. A man answered. I told
him I didn't like the little boots on the U/C and wondered if they had any
bigger grips for it. He asked for my address and said I'll just send you a
set. I said can you do that? He said I think so I'm the president. When
I got the package it had full size rubber combats, a set of hip grips, and
a little walnut set. What a company.

[ParadiseRoad]

...I have one of these...

...Santa Fe Sky color scheme on the Undercover Lite...

...I like it...

[Old cop]

This runs contrary to my experience (1968 - 1997). My first off duty was a Colt Cobra, $85 new, then a variety of J frames. Most of the cops I worked with carried a J frame or a Colt for off duty & back up. I was aware of the Charter Arms guns but did not know anyone who owned one.

[ShivasIrons]

FTR I own several J Frames as well.

I must say the Charters have better sights and they seem to carry a bit better in the pocket in my experience.

[NovaJoe]

I bought a Stainless Charter Arms Undercover .38 Special around 1980. It had better sights than my S&W M37 (consequently I shot it better), and fit just as nicely into the back pocket of my jeans. It went everywhere with me. I foolishly sold it around 20 years later.

[OLDSTER]

My Undercover is also an early Bridgeport model ca. 1973. I love this little guy and shoot it every bit as accurately and dependably as my 36, 60, and 642. The thing about Charter Arms is they are so great for the money. Charter has no intention to rival a fine S&W or Colt; they have their own niche and fill it extremely well. This is my carry in a Galco Paddle Lite, which I wear cross-draw.

[ggibson511960]

I had one back in the 70"s and liked it O.K. Out of the box it felt better in my hand than a J-frame with its wide trigger and hammer. The sights are way better than a J-frame. Now the bad. It stubbornly unscrewed its ejector rod despite my efforts to tighten. For the money it was an excellent choice for what snubs are good for.

[Truckin]

Carry an Off Duty daily. It is so light I forget it is there. Trigger is not as good as SW but it is good enough. DAO. It is a defensive weapon. And did I mention that it was light.

[ldausmc1369]

I have one ANIB with all the goodies it came with. Have been tempted from to to time to shoot it. Great action and trigger for a Charter. It is a 70’s vintage as well. Have it’s big brother, the 44 Bulldog, 3” barrel, stainless. I have shot it quite a bit and carry in a shoulder holster. Ran across the on-site auction receipt the other day! $250! About the same size as a J frame.

[Sistema1927]

My Dad bought an Undercover in the 1970's. Local PD had contacted him and told him that they had word of a mob hit on another person with a similar name. They suggested that he purchase a handgun and carry it.

He carried that little Charter Arms revolver 24/7 for about 10 years, and still has it.

[alwslate]

I had one back in the 70s. It was my carry gun for a few years. It was
lighter than a steel J frame and it took some hot handloads in stride.
One day for some reason I took it to a gun show and quickly sold it to
one of the table holders for more than I thought it was worth. It was a
good gun for it's intended purpose and I regretted selling it for a while
but eventually replaced it with a J frame.

[rcu316]

I bought a new 38 in 1981, still have it I bet it hasn't been shot 25 times.

[joeintexas]

I have one of the Bridgeport early models also. With all the choices my wife had to pick from she chose that little 38sp undercover to carry with her, so I haven't seen it in quite a while. If memory serves, it shot really well. She does like revolvers, her bedstand gun is a Ruger Sp101.

[Ziggy2525]

I’ve been getting into revolvers the last couple years. I have a copule 640’s and a 642. I was thinking of picking up a Charter Arms, but there’s a lot of options. I see lots of talk about Bulldogs, Concealables, and maybe the model 85.

For you guys into Charter Arms snubs, is there a “go to” Charter Arms snub? How does a Charter Arms revolver compare to an LCR and a J.

[4011]

Myself and can name three more carried an undercover. Dept. armorer decided they were not good enough to have as backup. I traded mine straight up for a Glock 27. That was 20 yrs. ago.

[crazyphil]

Originally Posted by Ziggy2525

I’ve been getting into revolvers the last couple years. I have a copule 640’s and a 642. I was thinking of picking up a Charter Arms, but there’s a lot of options. I see lots of talk about Bulldogs, Concealables, and maybe the model 85.

For you guys into Charter Arms snubs, is there a “go to” Charter Arms snub? How does a Charter Arms revolver compare to an LCR and a J.

Both LCR and S&W J Frames are a little better quality, but the
Undercover is probably the most popular backup gun because
of price. If I had to shoot and possibly loose my gun I would
rather it be my Undercover than an S&W or Colt. BTW the
model 85 is a Taurus. Not a bad little revolver, but Taurus
gets lots of bad comments.
Oh, one more thing, those who like the Bulldog just like a
little more oomph than the .38 Undercover, because the
Bulldog most popular is the .44 Spl.

[KSDeputy]

I prefer the model 60, just bought a new one.

[DWalt]

Originally Posted by crazyphil

I like those stories about Charter's service. I've told this one before, but
I'll do it again. Maybe 10 years ago I bought a new Charter 2000 Under-
cover. I called Charter very early one morning. A man answered. I told
him I didn't like the little boots on the U/C and wondered if they had any
bigger grips for it. He asked for my address and said I'll just send you a
set. I said can you do that? He said I think so I'm the president. When
I got the package it had full size rubber combats, a set of hip grips, and
a little walnut set. What a company.

I no longer have an Undercover (sold mine over 20 years ago) but I recently bought a first year Bridgeport .44 Bulldog. My first outing with what I considered to be mild handloads proved less than pleasant due to the recoil and the Bulldog's small grips. I bought a new pair of Pachmayr Presentation grips off eBay for $25. While I haven't yet fired the Bulldog with those grips on it, they feel vastly better than the original tiny wood grips that I am certain the recoil will be much more manageable.

[crstrode]

Inherited one from my Dad. I carried it for many years in many situations. Durable, reliable, light weight and very packable. Smaller and lighter than similar J frames, but fits well in a holster designed for a S&W model 36, or a Taurus 85.

My favorite carry configuration for the Undercover is small of back riding in a Bianchi #5CL marked S&W Chief. I can walk, sit, stand, work, drive with ease all day - no strain, no pain.

The ejector rod knob does indeed tend to screw itself loose, so be attentive.

Loaded with 125 grain Nyclads or plated 148 DEWC over 4.7 grains of Unique gives me a nice warm feeling.

[DWalt]

I have an elderly spinster lady as a next-door neighbor. She has an unfired Undercover, one of the original Bridgeports. She has promised me first chance to buy it when she decides to sell. I think she is about 83, has a difficult time getting around, but she still drives.

An amusing story about her and the Undercover. In her younger days she was a high school teacher in one of the rougher school districts in town and always carried in in her purse. Just in case.

[crazyphil]

Guns & Ammo December 1981 someone asked Bill Jordan about his
choice for a backup gun. "Charter Arms Undercover .38 Special.
Just six inches long, 4 inches high, and weighing 16 ounces, would
be my choice."

[max503]

If I didn't already own more snubbies than I have hands I would buy a CA snubbie of some sort.

[Grayfox]

Some years back I picked up one of the early (1960s) Undercovers pretty cheap. It was a good little gun. Shot well, decent trigger, small and light. The problem was those tiny grips they had back then. Firing one box of ammo would leave a very nasty blister in the web of my hand. At that time, I couldn't find any aftermarket grips for it and ended up selling the gun. With the grip options available today, if I was to run across a nice one at a good price, I'd snatch it up.
Speaking of Charters, about two years ago I bought a 2" .22 Pathfinder dirt cheap. I really liked the feel of it and the trigger was excellent. But the damned thing didn't shoot worth a hoot. About the best it could manage was 4-5" groups at 7 yards. Its gone.
I also have a 1985 3" .44 Bulldog. Great gun! It ain't going nowhere.

[BE Mike]

Back in the late 70's I wanted a S&W model 60 for an off-duty handgun. They were scarce, so I bought a CA stainless Undercover at a Gibson's Dept. store. It was a good little pistol. I later obtained a blued version and sold it, since I still had the stainless one. I carried the stainless CA when working plain clothes. After a situation where I faced a suspect who had a S&W model 29 and M&P in .32-20 within reach, I decided to replace the CA with a 2 1/2 inch S&W model 66. It wasn't about the CA, but the extra round and caliber! I gave the CA to one of my kids. I bought a used blue Undercover a while back with rubber grips. It shot very high because the previous owner filed some material off the top of the front sight. I just finished up putting a shim on top of the front sight last night and I plan to try it out today (my second range trip with it this week). It actually has a better trigger and sights than my S&W model 60. The advantage of the model 60 is that it'll hold up to +P. I plan on taking both to the range and compare how I shoot them.

[BE Mike]

I finalized the front sight modification yesterday (I added a shim to the front sight because it was shooting too high). I took the old Undercover to the indoor range today. I fired 5 shots double action, while standing & unsupported with no time limit. The distance was 15 yards. I think I shoot it pretty well because the sights are nice and big for these old peepers. The trigger is pretty nice, too.

[Cal44]

I'm a fan of 32 Mag.

The Undercoverette is a 5 shot 32 H&R Magnum.

There is a Stainless version that weighs 16 oz and an 11 oz Aluminum version.

I'd like to find an Aluminum version as with 32 Mag I think an 11 oz gun would be shootable.

But, the SS version is the only one available in California at this point as I suspect Charter Arms doesn't want to spend the money to get the Aluminum version approved.

Given I already have a S&W 431PD which is a 13.3 oz six shot 32 Magnum, I can't justify either version.

[armorer951]

Speaking from an armorer's perspective, they are great alternative to the more expensive brands, until they require an intervention for repair. Very difficult to work on/repair in my experience.

[washerman]

Originally Posted by armorer951

Speaking from an armorer's perspective, they are great alternative to the more expensive brands, until they require an intervention for repair. Very difficult to work on/repair in my experience.

all you gotta do to fix one is send it back to charter arms...it'll be fixed quick and probably no charge either

[DWalt]

Originally Posted by armorer951

Speaking from an armorer's perspective, they are great alternative to the more expensive brands, until they require an intervention for repair. Very difficult to work on/repair in my experience.

Interesting - in what way? When I recently got my .44 Bulldog (which I think differs little from the UC mechanically), it didn't seem to want to function properly in single action. With the help of a YouTube video (never having worked on anything from CA), I stripped it down as completely as possible, cleaned and inspected everything, lubed it, and reassembled it. It functioned OK after doing that. At least for assembly/disassembly, it wasn't any more difficult to do vs. any other revolver I've worked on. I don't know about problems associated with getting replacement parts to fit properly as I didn't need to do that.

[crazyphil]

Originally Posted by BE Mike

I finalized the front sight modification yesterday (I added a shim to the front sight because it was shooting too high). I took the old Undercover to the indoor range today. I fired 5 shots double action, while standing & unsupported with no time limit. The distance was 15 yards. I think I shoot it pretty well because the sights are nice and big for these old peepers. The trigger is pretty nice, too.

That's some pretty darn good shootin Mike.

[BE Mike]

Mine is a Stratford, Connecticut made revolver, which puts it's date of manufacture in the 70's. I've heard that the ones made from 1988-1998 (Charco) had quality control issues. I hear that the ones made since 2000 are very good. Crazyphil- I'm sure the gun and ammo will group much better at longer distances. Back in the day when revolvers were king, I decided to learn how to shoot double-action. As I'm not that talented, it took quite some time. I do ok, but there are a lot of better shooters out there with much younger body parts!

[Buckeye63]

Alumium framed , lightweight & compact . ....
I have owned Charter revolvers for over 30yrs

[MOONDAWG]

Bought my first Charter Arms .38 undercover in 1973 when J-frame Smiths were as scarce as hens teeth and commanding scalpers prices if you found on.

Loved it and within the year I'd bought a 3" .22 Path Finder and a 3" .44 spl. Bull Dog.

My current most used is a 21 oz. 6 shot 9mm Pit Bull. Bought it for 4 reasons. I got tired of fooling with moon clips in my .45 ACP Colt & Smiths, the ammo is cheaper and available every where, and, one day I may be too incapacitated to rack the slide on my semi autos and 4th I can hand it to anyone to use to back me up. The vertical stringing was shooter induced trying to breathe.

The E-Target is 50 rounds fired off hand at 15 yards on a 95 degree 99% humidity day...Florida in the summer...

[Bronco89]

I have a CA Undercover Police, (The 6-Shot) that is my daily carry. It initially wasn't intended for that purpose. I sort of got talked into the purchase and felt I had made a bad mistake after buying it. Then my feelings changed fast when I started shooting it. I love mine. I practice about 99% in DA, and once in a while, I'll send six downstream in SA, usually at 30 feet. They all seem to stay inside the 8 ring and most inside the 9 ring with a snub. I may add a Pachmyer grip to mine, and see if that conceals better and still feels nice. I have big hands. I intend on keeping mine.

[Buckeye63]

Now that Charter offers revolvers in 45acp , 45 Colt & 41 Mag ... and with the 44spl .. they cornered the market on smaller framed big bore snubbies.

[Loyaljeeper]

Originally Posted by Buckeye63

Now that Charter offers revolvers in 45acp , 45 Colt & 41 Mag ... and with the 44spl .. they cornered the market on smaller framed big bore snubbies.

I’m on the fence about which one of those I would get. I’m kind of leaning towards the 41mag even though the other two are more practical. My 40 Pitbull is the second most accurate snubby I own out of about a dozen.

[Buckeye63]

I’m on the fence about which one of those I would get. I’m kind of leaning towards the 41mag even though the other two are more practical. My 40 Pitbull is the second most accurate snubby I own out of about a dozen.

Im happy with my 44spl ... But I too would lean toward the 41mag ...
I think the 45 Colt would be similar to my 44Spl ... And the 41 mag would up the ante' ... a bit

[walkinghorse]

Originally Posted by Bronco89

I have a CA Undercover Police, (The 6-Shot) that is my daily carry. It initially wasn't intended for that purpose. I sort of got talked into the purchase and felt I had made a bad mistake after buying it. Then my feelings changed fast when I started shooting it. I love mine. I practice about 99% in DA, and once in a while, I'll send six downstream in SA, usually at 30 feet. They all seem to stay inside the 8 ring and most inside the 9 ring with a snub. I may add a Pachmyer grip to mine, and see if that conceals better and still feels nice. I have big hands. I intend on keeping mine.

I put a Pachmyer Compact grip on the one 'we' have, many, many years ago (70's ?) and it made it perfect. My wife has her CCW now, and has claimed it, hence the we! ☺
As she is left handed also, holsters are immediately available. She seems to prefer the Mika so far.